Ogun Journalist Seun Odunlamin Abducted By Suspected Armed Men In Broad Dayligh

Seun Odunlamin, the publisher of the Newsjaunt online news platform, was abducted in broad daylight by suspected armed men in the Ike-Ilewo area of Abeokuta on Wednesday. The abduction, which occurred at approximately 1:00 pm, took place outside a bank where Odunlamin had gone to conduct a transaction with a colleague.

According to the colleague, who requested anonymity, the armed men arrived in a vehicle, handcuffed Odunlamin, and whisked him away. Moments later, when the colleague called Odunlamin’s phone, the journalist claimed that his abductors identified themselves as officers from the Special Anti-Fraud Unit, Ikoyi, Lagos. Shortly after this brief conversation, Odunlamin’s phone was switched off, and all communication with him was lost.

“We were just outside the bank when they arrived,” the colleague recounted. “They handcuffed Seun, dragged him into the car, and sped off. When I called him, he said they were taking him to Ikoyi.”

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Odunlamin’s sudden disappearance adds to the growing list of journalists in Nigeria who have been targeted by security agencies or armed groups under suspicious circumstances. Notably, in April 2022, Bashiru Hammed Olamilekan, popularly known as Lahbash and owner of Eaglesforesight, was abducted in Ogun State by men identified as security operatives. His abduction, allegedly for publishing critical reports, sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s media landscape, raising concerns about the shrinking space for press freedom.

These incidents highlight the increasing dangers faced by journalists in the country, where security forces and other groups have been accused of silencing critical voices through abduction, intimidation, and detention. Odunlamin’s whereabouts remain unknown, and his abduction has prompted calls for an immediate investigation to ensure his safe return.

With journalists becoming frequent targets, press organizations and civil society are urging authorities to address these alarming trends that threaten media freedom in Nigeria.